According to the companies, the integration of these two technologies allows customers to easily share large tape libraries, such as StorageTek's Powderhorn(R) automated cartridge system, between mainframes, UNIX and Windows systems. The companies also said Backup Express customers can now store data anywhere on their network using a simple client/server approach to automate MVS operations.

"We are pleased that Backup Express has certified with StorageTek's LibraryStation software," said Vic Werner, director of marketing of Syncsort. "With this integration, our customers can now share StorageTek's larger libraries throughout their enterprise, giving them unmatched versatility and helping them increase their ROI."

"As customers transition to more SAN, NAS and shared device solutions for their distributed systems, they can greatly benefit by utilizing their existing StorageTek Powderhorns to house MVS, UNIX and NT based data," said Pete Koliopoulos, StorageTek marketing director, Automated Tape Solutions. "We're pleased to further increase the ease of manageability and allow for more flexible data protection solutions for our mutual customers."